North East and Cumbria: Warning of heavy snow and strong winds

A warning of heavy snow and strong winds of up to 60mph is in place for parts of the North East and Cumbria.

The Met Office said there was a yellow warning for wind until at least 18:00 GMT.

Snow has already fallen in parts on the region including Burnopfield and Tow Law in County Durham.

Events have been cancelled in light of the weather and people are being advised to avoid woodlands where trees could pose a risk.

The Environment Agency said the entire coast of Cumbria was on flood alert with the greatest risk being at around midday due to a combination of high waves, a potential storm surge and high spring tides.

National Highways shut the A66 in both directions between Scotch Corner in North Yorkshire and Penrith in Cumbria at midnight ahead of the storm.

The route was closed earlier but reopened again at about 11:00 GMT.

Trees brought down by Storm Dudley have disrupted parts of the Tyne and Wear Metro and part of the line in North Tyneside is shut.

A number of events planned in the region have also been cancelled because of the storm including the Under the Stars event in Ridley Park, Blyth in Northumberland and Northumberland Park in North Shields.

However, organisers of the light and story-telling show event said they were hopeful it could go ahead on Saturday.

Beamish Museum in County Durham has also postponed the opening of its 1950s street attraction which features a recreation of the home of artist Norman Cornish.

A spokeswoman apologised and said the event would take place on Saturday.

Northumberland National Park rangers are also urging people to stay away from woods in the county because trees damaged by previous high winds, including Storm Dudley earlier this week, remained unstable.